Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, has firmly rejected claims that his administration is negotiating with bandits, insisting that the state is committed to achieving genuine and lasting peace. His statement came during the graduation of 100 new officers of the Community Watch Corps, known as C-Watch, which will expand security operations to 20 of the state’s 34 local government areas.
Addressing the passing-out ceremony for the third batch of officers in Katsina, Radda reflected on the administration’s ongoing efforts to restore peace across the state. Recent reports suggesting a peace meeting between government officials and bandits were dismissed as unfounded. “The headlines claim the Katsina State Government is negotiating with bandits, but that is far from reality. We will not negotiate with bandits, though we always welcome peace,” he clarified.
The governor outlined what he described as the “Katsina Model,” a community-driven approach to security. Under this framework, members of affected communities initiate and negotiate peace accords with repentant bandits willing to lay down their arms. “The state government’s role is to support these processes while maintaining law and order. Our focus is to ensure that communities benefiting from peace also gain socio-economic development and a dignified life,” Radda explained.
The approach has yielded tangible results. Jibia has experienced eight months without a major attack, Batsari seven months, and areas like Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa have enjoyed relative calm since adopting the initiative.
Radda emphasized that the Community Watch Corps was established to combat banditry and strengthen local security. “When we launched C-Watch over two years ago, we were venturing into uncharted territory. The learning curve was steep, and uncertainty high. But one thing was clear: our administration is determined to end banditry in Katsina State. This was a promise made to the people, and we will not forsake that trust,” he said.
The newly graduated officers will be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma local government areas, with 50 officers assigned to each. Dutsin-Ma, sharing boundaries with Safana, Danmusa, and Matazu, remains a hotspot for banditry.
Radda also stressed that federal security agencies play a central role in Katsina’s overall security architecture. “This ceremony demonstrates that the state government will not relent in fighting insecurity. Those who return to crime will face the full force of the law,” he warned. He praised the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Police Force for their collaboration, which has improved intelligence sharing, response times, and coordinated operations.
He charged the new officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and human rights in all duties. “You are entrusted not only with maintaining security but also representing the collective goal of a peaceful and prosperous Katsina State,” he said.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, praised the initiative as a homegrown, community-focused solution. He noted that able-bodied young men were carefully selected, screened, trained, and deployed to protect their communities. This ceremony marked the third phase of C-Watch training, following earlier sessions in October 2023 and November 2024.
Maj. Gen. Junaidu Bindawa (retd), Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, detailed the intensive training the recruits underwent, covering minor tactics, weapon handling, communication, arrests, community policing, rules of engagement, and intelligence gathering. He emphasized the goal of producing disciplined, professional, and community-focused operatives while identifying areas for improvement, particularly in command and control, to enhance coordination and accountability.
